Rolex and the arts
World of Rolex
Since its inception at the beginning of the 20th century, Rolex has always encouraged individual excellence and the pursuit of perfection. Rolex makes a unique and lasting contribution to culture around the world.
THE VIENNA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA – NEW YEAR’S CONCERT
Rolex and the Arts
Summer Night Concert
Rolex and the Arts
Every year 100,000 people gather in the Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn, Vienna, for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s greatly anticipated Summer Night Concert. This renowned open-air performance has been presented by Rolex annually since 2009. It marks the brand’s partnership with the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the world’s finest musical institutions, and its commitment to making classical music accessible to all.
SALZBURG FESTIVAL
Rolex and the Arts
The Salzburg Festival - founded in 1920 - has established itself as one of the most prestigious of its kind, an event where the performing arts combine with leisure to create a unique experience. Its broad artistic programme brings together the world’s best conductors, stage directors, singers, musicians, actors and orchestras for incomparable performances in opera, drama and concerts. Rolex is proud to be Main Sponsor of the Festival since 2012.
Whitsun Festival
Rolex and the Arts
The Salzburg Whitsun Festival features an impressive repertoire of operas and concerts over the Whitsun week. This musical celebration is led by world-famous mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, who has been a Rolex Testimonee since 1994. Rolex is proud to be the Exclusive Sponsor of the Whitsun Festival as part of its long-standing commitment to artistic development worldwide.
TEATRO ALLA SCALA
Rolex and the Arts
Built in the late 18th century, during the golden age of opera, Teatro alla Scala remains the epicentre of the operatic world. Performances here continue to transcend history and time. Sitting far above in the loggione, the audience today remains high in passion and opinion. However, everyone is in agreement on one thing: there is no other opera house in the world with the magic and enchantment of La Scala.
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
Rolex and the Arts
Undeniable in sight and sound, it's where the world's greatest ballet, opera and orchestral performers bare their souls. Among them famed soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a Rolex Testimonee since 1976. Majestic. Inspiring. Every masterpiece performed there is a testament to art's past and future. It serves as the hallowed ground of culture. Beauty and elegance for more than 300 years, this grand stage is ready for its next encore.
The Metropolitan Opera
Rolex and the Arts
The Metropolitan Opera, known as the Met, is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. Located in the heart of New York City, it is a vibrant home for internationally renowned singers, conductors, composers, orchestra musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers and dancers. A performance at the Met – as mythical as it is historic – is a true emblem of professional success, excellence and acclaim.
Opéra National de Paris
Rolex and the Arts
For three centuries, the Opéra has sought to blend tradition with modernity. France’s premier opera company is renowned for staging exceptional productions of the most demanding repertoire and of rarely heard works with the best artists. These original performances and the refined atmosphere attract hundreds of thousands of operagoers a year, and the Opéra National de Paris remains at the forefront of its art on the global stage.
Sir Antonio Pappano
Rolex and the Arts
One of music’s most inspirational and charismatic leaders, Sir Antonio Pappano has been Music Director of the Royal Opera House since 2002. During his tenure, he has regaled audiences in the Covent Garden venue and around the world with his extensive and eclectic repertoire, which he conducts with the gusto of his Italian heritage. He is also a prolific recording artist, both as conductor and pianist.
PLÁCIDO DOMINGO
Rolex and the Arts
“To rest is to rust.” That explains the arc of one man's career as it extends further into astonishing. Over 3,500 performances and the world's most inexhaustible tenor readies himself for something new.
Enduring passion. One of the greatest virtues of man.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Rolex and the Arts
Since her electrifying debut in 1971 as the Countess in a Royal Opera House production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has lent her voice to almost every major opera company around the world. In 1976, she became Rolex’s first cultural Testimonee, forming an instrumental alliance that has blossomed into a long-standing partnership focused on nurturing gifted youth. Her majestic voice and generous spirit contribute to her legendary status within the enchanting arena of operatic arts.
GUSTAVO DUDAMEL
Rolex and the Arts
Venezuelan sensation Gustavo Dudamel is one of the best known and most charismatic conductors of his generation. Born in 1981, a violinist by training, he has been the Los Angeles Philharmonic's music director since late 2009 as well as the director of El Sistema’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, comprised of over 200 young musicians aged between 18 and 28. His effervescent enthusiasm and commitment to fostering musical development in youth contribute to his international success.
Benjamin Bernheim
Rolex and the Arts
Recognized for the purity of his beautiful voice, the immense depth of his musical expression and eloquent performances, French tenor Benjamin Bernheim has been captivating audiences at the world’s leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House, the Zürich Opera House, the Paris Opera and Chicago’s Lyric Opera. The extraordinarily gifted tenor has sung a number of iconic arias and diverse roles – from Lensky to Rodolfo and Faust – earning him a reputation as one of today’s most acclaimed opera singers.
Sonya Yoncheva
Rolex and the Arts
After winning first prize at the world’s leading opera competition, Operalia, in 2010, Sonya Yoncheva has become a true star in the realm of classical voice performance. Her career is flourishing, with productions in the greatest concert halls and theatres worldwide. A high note of her career came in 2014 when New York’s Metropolitan Opera called her to play the role of Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème. Prior to that, in 2013, the Bulgarian soprano signed a long‑term recording contract with Sony, which was followed by the release, in early 2015, of her debut solo recording. Her divine voice and undeniable talent have ensured growing success and worldwide appreciation by both music professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Cecilia Bartoli
Rolex and the Arts
One of the world's best mezzo-sopranos. Or one of the best sopranos. Whatever view you take, she stands in a class of her own.
Jonas Kaufmann
Rolex and the Arts
Internationally acclaimed tenor. Thrilling singer and expressive actor. Both his voice and his repertoire know no boundaries. Powerful but sensitive; intellectual yet passionate.
Juan Diego Flórez
Rolex and the Arts
Few tenors master bel canto as well as the Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez. With a career that includes performances on the world’s leading stages, he has established himself as one of opera’s greatest talents with his expressive singing. His generosity, charisma and passion inspire his many philanthropic endeavours, in addition to his acclaimed operatic appearances and recordings. Juan Diego Flórez, who joined the Rolex family in 2015, is the recipient of prestigious awards in recognition of his excellence and highest musical achievement.
Sir Bryn Terfel
Rolex and the Arts
Celebrated baritone. Grammy winner. A life as large as his voice. A talent that runs as deep as his Welsh roots. Welcome on the world's greatest stages. But he never forgets where home is.
Yuja Wang
Rolex and the Arts
The technique of a master. The imagination of a genius. And a world tour by the age of 16. All 88 keys and a depth of talent that extends beyond them.
MICHAEL BUBLÉ
Rolex and the Arts
A voice like silk. A presence to match. Revered Grammy winner. Inspired by the greats, he keeps the past beautifully present.
